Human Resources Generalist

About KIPP New Orleans Schools

KIPP New Orleans Schools (KNOS) is a nonprofit network comprising 13 public charter schools focused on college and career preparation, educating around 5,000 students from elementary to high school levels, as well as over 2,000 alumni. Our mission is to establish academies of academic excellence that open limitless opportunities for all students, particularly those from underserved communities. Operating as the largest charter management organization in New Orleans, we serve nearly 15% of the city's student population with a track record of success spanning 20 years.

At KIPP, employees enjoy freedom to innovate and continuous opportunities for professional growth supported by a national network that champions student success through college and career readiness.

Role Overview

The Human Resources Generalist serves as the key person handling all frontline HR operations related to the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, offboarding, maintaining HRIS and payroll records, and compliance. This role ensures seamless integration and separation of employees, accurate and timely payroll data entry, and adherence to KNOS policies as well as state and federal regulations.

The position requires onsite presence at the KNOS regional office and partner schools daily. Responsibilities involve directly supporting onboarding processes, coordinating with school teams, and managing confidential digital files.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage complete new hire activation in the HRIS system post-offer acceptance, capturing all employment and payroll data accurately for timely first payroll.
• Conduct and facilitate in-person new hire onboarding sessions.
• Review background check outcomes, report issues to HR leadership, and document clearance status prior to employment start.
• Handle mid-year onboarding and proper setup of hourly and paraprofessional roles including classifications and pay groups.
• Assign mandatory training modules and maintain training completion records.
• Execute timely and precise employee offboarding and separation processes, including completion of required state documentation.
• Respond promptly to unemployment claims and government agency requests within statutory deadlines.
• Maintain thorough and accurate digital employee records and personnel files in compliance with policies and legal requirements.
• Process payroll adjustments, provide frontline payroll inquiries support, escalating complex matters as needed.
• Complete employment verifications, income disclosures, and related regulatory reporting timely and per service standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR peers to ensure operational continuity and communicate effectively with stakeholders through updated tools and documentation.
• Develop and maintain HR standard operating procedures and templates for consistent practice and knowledge sharing among team members.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three to five years of diverse HR experience or school administrative experience within K-12 education.
• Familiarity with key HR concepts including classification, compensation, FLSA, employment verification (I-9/E-Verify), HIPAA and FERPA compliance, and investigatory best practices.
• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems, Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, electronic signatures, form automation, spreadsheets, and HR case management tools.
• Strong alignment with KNOS’s mission and core values: Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope.
• Successful pre-employment screenings including reference checks, background checks, and work authorization verification.

Preferred qualifications: Experience with ADP, hands-on duties in onboarding/offboarding, employee relations, compliance, and benefits administration; exposure to K-12 education or nonprofit multi-site operations; relevant certifications such as SHRM-CP/PHR; conflict resolution training; bilingual abilities; understanding of workers’ compensation claims.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role entails daily in-person work at the regional office and partner schools. Employees will use standard office technology and may be required to travel between sites using personal transportation. Standard business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with occasional evening or weekend duties as needed. Physical demands include sitting for extended periods, lifting up to 30 pounds occasionally, sharp vision for close detail observation, and clear communication in varied environments.

Additional Information and Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• 403(b) retirement plan with 100% company match up to 5% of salary and any bonuses, with immediate vesting.
• Health and wellness benefits effective from the first day of the month following hire date, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, hospital indemnity, FSAs for health and dependent care.
• Approximately 30 paid holidays and additional paid leave.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Commitments & Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and respect with all employees, board members, partners, funders, and vendors.
• Uphold excellent customer service standards and foster positive relationships.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, contributing effectively to organizational objectives.
• Maintain punctuality, flexibility in scheduling, and integrity in professional interactions.

Equal Opportunity Employment

KIPP New Orleans Schools is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace free from discrimination on any legally protected basis, including but not limited to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, and veteran status.

This job description is intended to outline key duties and qualifications but is subject to change without notice and does not constitute an employment contract.